Will this test tell me if I am suffering from a food allergy?
IgE antibodies are associated with true allergic reactions. This test is designed to detect food- specific IgG antibodies.

Do I have to collect the blood sample at a particular time of day?
No, samples can be collected at any time of day

How long will the sample remain stable in the post?
The IgG antibodies in the sample are stable for up to three weeks but samples normally only take 1-2 days to reach us

Could I be reacting to chemical additives in the food rather than the food itself?
Additives are small molecules which usually do not cause an immune response. However, some chemicals can produce intolerance symptoms without involving the immune system. They are best avoided if you suspect them.

Will I have to eliminate the positive foods for the rest of my life?
No. Once you have removed these foods from your diet for about 2-3 months, you should notice an improvement in your symptoms. You will then usually be able to gradually re-introduce those foods back into your diet.

I have avoided eating a food that I believe I am intolerant to. Will the test be able to confirm my intolerance?
If you haven't eaten a food that you are intolerant to for more than 3 months, sufficient IgG antibodies may not be present for us to detect, in which case a negative result will be reported for that food.

Is gluten intolerance the same as wheat intolerance?
No, gluten is a protein present in wheat, rye and barley. For some people it causes changes in the intestinal villi resulting in CD, which can be very harmful. Non-coeliac wheat intolerant patients may be reacting to other wheat proteins.

Is Baker's Yeast the same as Candida?
No, they are quite different and unrelated organisms and CNS offers a separate test for Candida. Antibodies to Baker's Yeast, however, are associated with Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. If you suffer from bowel pain and have a strong reaction to Baker's Yeast then you should seek advice from your health professional.

If I react to cow's milk, what should I do about other dairy products?
Antibodies to cow's milk are found in about 40% of patients. If you are positive for cow's milk, avoid all milk products i.e. yogurt, cheese, cream, etc.

How difficult is it to obtain the blood sample?
FoodPrint® requires only a small amount of blood, which is easily obtained from a finger prick. CNS will supply you with a self-contained sample collection kit and simple-to-follow instructions

Do I need to consult a nutritionist before taking a food IgG antibody test?
No, but CNS strongly advises that significant changes to the diet should only be made after consultation with a qualified nutritionist.